“They say life's what happens when you're busy making other plans. But sometimes in New York, life is what happens when you're waiting for a table.” SJP. A large part of my life in NYC really did happen in those unexpected moments, the first man I fell in love with I met while waiting to be seated. NYC was about just this – firsts, unforeseen firsts! It was the first time I left home, lived alone, did my own laundry (even though I am ashamed to admit it!), fell in love and fell chronically ill. Despite the hardships, heartbreaks and hand washing, I can’t imagine my life without electric, thriving, pulsating New York City, without the eclectic people I met there, without the serendipitous experiences I had in the city that was mine and mine alone. I grew into a woman in this city and will cherish it for a lifetime. FAVORITES New York changes every hour of every day, so my favorites may be dated, which is unfortunate as I used to pride myself on knowing everything new and hip the city had to offer! Now when I go back I frantically walk the streets of the city, catching up on what I’ve missed out. But here are places I used to love. Restaurants: - La Esquina (www.esquinanyc.com) you feel like you have discovered a secret grotto/ hideaway when you walk down the fire escape, pass a bustling kitchen and into this subterranean Mexican Restaurant, which has the most exclusive, sultry vibe. The music and décor perfectly compliment the illicit feeling you have when you are there. Don’t miss the fish taco’s and the extensive tequila list! - Nobu (www.noburestaurants.com) I know Nobu is so 2000, and there are plenty of better (and cheaper) sushi places in the city, but I have a special connection to this place. I used to love going all the way down to Tribeca, watching all the beautiful people, and of course the food! New style salmon sashmi, creamy spicy prawns, black cod and the infamous bento box!!! My best friend and I had some of the most hilarious and inappropriate conversations here, it also was the first meal I ate after I got out of hospital and I met wonderful people who shaped my life there. Shops: - The entire city is a shoppers delight, I mainly tackle areas in NYC and spend time shopping around Soho, Nolita, Meatpacking or the West Village. I will always visit Intermix, Barney’s, Bergdorf’s, Kiki Montparnasse, and Vintage shops in the East Village! Café/Bakery’s: - 71 Irving Place (www.irvingfarm.com) has that perfect neighborhood ‘cheers’ type of atmosphere. Very friendly and social but a great place to read and get some work done by yourself as well. - Doma is situated in the West Village and I spent most of my time there studying for my exams! No phone policy, community seating, very fresh and organic food and beverages as well as having delicious cakes and cookies. - Magnolia (www.magnoliabakery.com), Billy’s (www.billysbakerynyc.com) and Crumbs (www.crumbs.com) all serve delicious cupcakes! Take your pick! Home Furnishings : ABC Carpet & Home (www.abchome.com) ten floors of furniture paradise! ABC offers an eclectic and inspired collection of rugs, furniture, antiques, home textiles, accessories and sustainable furnishings. Make a day of it and eat at ‘abc kitchen with jean-georges’!